Council Member Justin Brannan Endorses Andrew Gounardes for New York State Senate

BROOKLYN, NY, July 26, 2018 -- Today, City Council Member Justin Brannan officially endorsed Democrat Andrew Gounardes for the NY Senate in District 22, citing Andrew’s record of service as a community leader and his strong commitment to working families, immigrants, safer streets, and stronger schools.

“In these uncertain times, we need Andrew Gounardes in the State Senate because not only is he ready to fight for us, he's already been doing it for a long time,” said Brannan. “I'm supporting Andrew because he does more than talk the talk. Andrew stands up for what's right, even when no one is looking -- and he's been doing this for our community for years, long before he was a candidate for office. Time and time again, I've seen him stand up for working families, immigrants, women, seniors, and students all while fighting for safer streets, stronger schools, and a community that welcomes all with open arms, no matter where you come from, what you believe, or who you love.”

Brannan’s endorsement is particularly significant because his district overlaps with the 22nd Senate district, including the neighborhoods of Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights, Bensonhurst, and Bath Beach.

“From organizing unions, fighting to recover unpaid wages for workers, and expanding universal pre-k, Justin has always been an advocate for working-class New Yorkers,” said Gounardes. “His commitment to making Southern Brooklyn a better, stronger, and more welcoming place reflects the kind of community-centric leadership I believe in. I am honored to receive Justin’s endorsement and look forward to working with him when I am elected.”

About Andrew Gounardes

Born and raised in Bay Ridge, it was in Southern Brooklyn where Andrew Gounardes started his work in public service. As an aide to former City Councilmember Vincent Gentile, he helped neighbors solve everyday quality of life problems. Currently, he serves as Counsel to Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams and as a trustee of the New York City Employees' Retirement System, one of the largest municipal pension funds in the country. Before serving at Borough Hall, he worked for Citizens Committee for New York City, a non-profit that provides neighborhood improvement grants to community groups across the five boroughs. He also served on Community Board 10 and is a longtime member of the Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church in Bay Ridge.

After Superstorm Sandy, Andrew co-founded Bay Ridge Cares, an organization that prepared 25,000 hot meals for victims after the storm. Today, the organization still supports community members facing extraordinary need by providing them with emergency assistance. As a member of the Riders Alliance, he organized and formed the Concerned R Train Riders to fight for better service and demand handicapped accessible subway stations in South Brooklyn. He helped write and pass legislation to combat dangerous home conversions, and continues to work toward helping those who are displaced from unsafe living conditions.

His work with Bay Ridge Advocates for Keeping Everyone Safe (B.R.A.K.E.S.) successfully pressured Albany lawmakers to allow speed cameras in school zones. As an advocate for art and culture in our neighborhoods, he served as pro bono legal counsel for the Bay Ridge Storefront Art Walk (S.A.W.) and as past president of the Bay Ridge Historical Society.

Andrew graduated from Fort Hamilton High School before going on to earn degrees from Hunter College and the George Washington University Law School.

Andrew’s Endorsements

Andrew has been endorsed by NYSUT, the local chapter of United Automobile Workers, the District 1 chapter of Communications Workers of America, SEIU 32BJ, the Working Families Party, Bay Ridge Democrats, the Brooklyn Young Democrats, the Central Brooklyn Independent Democrats, the Southern Brooklyn Democrats, Lambda Independent Democrats of Brooklyn, the Stars & Stripes Democratic Club, City Council Members Mark Treyger and Justin Brannan, Assembly Member Peter Abbate, Former Council Member Vincent Gentile, the Chairperson of the Kings County Democrats Frank Seddio, and Run for Something. He has also been named a Gun Sense Candidate of Distinction by Moms Demand Action.

About District 22

District 22 comprises the Brooklyn neighborhoods of Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights, Bensonhurst, Marine Park, Gerritsen Beach, and Gravesend, as well as portions of Sheepshead Bay, Borough Park, and Midwood.